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Sanchez joins Mendy, Bonucci and Luiz on list of world´s most expensive defenders

18 augustus 2017 20:20

Davinson Sanchez has joined the list of the most expensive defenders in world football after completing a club-record move to Tottenham from Ajax.

The 21-year-old is the youngest player in our top 10, eight of whom were part of deals involving Premier League clubs and four of those featuring Manchester City.

Sanchez's move ensures that five of the 10 priciest deals involving defenders in football history have all been completed in the current transfer window, as spending across Europe – and England in particular – continues to skyrocket.

Here are the 10 most expensive defenders ever, as things stand – are they worth the money?

BENJAMIN MENDY – Monaco to Manchester City, £51.75m

Pep Guardiola broke the record for a defender when he signed Mendy from Monaco on July 24 this year, the left-back having quickly himself as one of Europe's most exciting attacking full-backs in 2016-17 as his side won the Ligue 1 title and reached the Champions League semi-final.

His arrival was part of a spectacular overhaul of the City backline, which has seen them spend close to £165m on three defenders and goalkeeper Ederson.

Luiz won the Ligue 1 title in both of his seasons at PSG and he made it three in a row after he returned to Chelsea for £34m in a surprise move in August 2016, claiming his first Premier League winners' medal.

City have shown a willingness to pay massive amounts for English talent, with Stones having joined the club from Everton last year.

But the 23-year-old had a difficult first year as Guardiola's side under-performed, conceding far too many sloppy goals as they finished third in the table. Stones' potential should still see him develop into a top talent, however.

DAVINSON SANCHEZ – Ajax to Tottenham, £36.6m

Spurs waited weeks to make their first signing of the transfer window, but did so in some style, smashing their club record to bring Sanchez to north London.

The former Atletico Nacional man reportedly caught Barcelona's attention during Ajax's run to the Europa League final last year, but, after Manchester United beat them 2-0, Jose Mourinho cast doubt on the player's ability with the ball at his feet.

2018 - Davinson Sanchez was the only player in the Eredivisie last season to play more than 2000 successful passes (2018). Composure. pic.twitter.com/zpSjPPg3EH

PSG's second entry is their club captain, Thiago Silva, with the Brazilian having been a major success since joining in 2012.

Although PSG were unceremoniously overhauled by Monaco to end their dominance of Ligue 1 last season, the 32-year-old has won four league titles and three Coupes de France in Paris.

ELIAQUIM MANGALA – Porto to Manchester City, £32m

A huge flop, Mangala's fee of £32m to join City from Porto looked overpriced enough after he was allowed to join Valencia on loan. But subsequent leaked documents suggested the total cost of Mangala's move rose to £42m as City had to buy out third party owners.

Mangala is expected to be allowed to leave by Pep Guardiola, having made 48 Premier League appearances for the club.